Moments from the Lodge you will discover the essence of unspoiled Lake Tarawera which offers an array of premium activities in a natural New Zealand lake setting. Please contact the Lodge hosts for details on cost and availability for all our suggested experiences and excursions.
Approximately 75 min round trip
Take a 15-minute private launch excursion to the natural hot springs of Lake Tarawera. Best accessed prior to breakfast. Enjoy soaking in the thermal waters rising gently through the lake bed as the morning sun filters through native bush.
Approximately 75 min round trip
Take a 15-minute private launch excursion to the natural hot springs of Lake Tarawera. Best accessed prior to breakfast. Enjoy soaking in the thermal waters rising gently through the lake bed as the morning sun filters through native bush.
3 hours easy hike
This invigorating half day experience starts with a short speedboat transfer to the trout laden Tarawera outlet stream, – the starting point for the scenic hike to the Tarawera Falls. The stream is the outlet for several lakes and eventually heads underground to emerge later as a spectacular 200-foot-high waterfall. Walk through native bush of Pohutukawa and Rata trees with native bird sounds of Tuis, Fantails and Kereru. Rest and bathe in river swimming holes along the way and indulge in a picnic lunch to the rhythmic background of cascading waters. Return transfers included.
3 hours easy hike
This invigorating half day experience starts with a short speedboat transfer to the trout laden Tarawera outlet stream, – the starting point for the scenic hike to the Tarawera Falls. The stream is the outlet for several lakes and eventually heads underground to emerge later as a spectacular 200-foot-high waterfall. Walk through native bush of Pohutukawa and Rata trees with native bird sounds of Tuis, Fantails and Kereru. Rest and bathe in river swimming holes along the way and indulge in a picnic lunch to the rhythmic background of cascading waters. Return transfers included.
3 hours – tailored to the needs of beginners and skilled fishermen
The Hamill family have been professional guides in the Rotorua region for many years. Departing from Solitaire Lodge’s Jetty, John Hamill’s generous Catamaran takes you on a private lake excursion jigging and trolling to proven fishing grounds. Lake Tarawera boasts the largest water volume in the Lakes District, at an average of 200ft deep, and is the ideal spawning ground for Rainbow Trout. Catching 4 to 5-pound trout is a regular occurrence, the excitement of which is only matched by the lure of the chase, and the enjoyment of fresh trout prepared for you by our Chef. Another option is to combine an early morning bathe in Lake Tarawera’s natural hot springs, breakfast on board followed by fishing for Rainbow Trout, – all in half a day.
3 hours – tailored to the needs of beginners and skilled fishermen
The Hamill family have been professional guides in the Rotorua region for many years. Departing from Solitaire Lodge’s Jetty, John Hamill’s generous Catamaran takes you on a private lake excursion jigging and trolling to proven fishing grounds. Lake Tarawera boasts the largest water volume in the Lakes District, at an average of 200ft deep, and is the ideal spawning ground for Rainbow Trout. Catching 4 to 5-pound trout is a regular occurrence, the excitement of which is only matched by the lure of the chase, and the enjoyment of fresh trout prepared for you by our Chef. Another option is to combine an early morning bathe in Lake Tarawera’s natural hot springs, breakfast on board followed by fishing for Rainbow Trout, – all in half a day.
3.5 hours – includes professional tour guide
Experience an unforgettable trip to New Zealand’s most contrasting volcanoes, witness the constant eruptions from the steaming crater floor of White Island to the wide vistas available from the exposed summit of Mount Tarawera. Departing from the Lodge helipad, this private tour flies for 30 minutes before landing and embarking on a guided tour of Whakaari (White Island). White Island is an active volcanic crater alive with constant rumblings and the lush sulfurous beds on the yellow crater floor give a moon like appearance. Another 15-minute flight and mountain top landing on Mount Tarawera boasts spectacular views over surrounding lakes as well as the vast 8km long crater of this now dormant, triple cone volcano. The 1886 volcanic eruption and Maori legends are described while you absorb its enormity and the spectacular views of the geothermal surroundings. Other trip highlights include viewing Tarawera Falls, sighting marine life on the way, passing the steaming Donne Cliffs at Lake Rotomahana and flying over Lake Tarawera’s natural thermal springs.
3.5 hours – includes professional tour guide
Experience an unforgettable trip to New Zealand’s most contrasting volcanoes, witness the constant eruptions from the steaming crater floor of White Island to the wide vistas available from the exposed summit of Mount Tarawera. Departing from the Lodge helipad, this private tour flies for 30 minutes before landing and embarking on a guided tour of Whakaari (White Island). White Island is an active volcanic crater alive with constant rumblings and the lush sulfurous beds on the yellow crater floor give a moon like appearance. Another 15-minute flight and mountain top landing on Mount Tarawera boasts spectacular views over surrounding lakes as well as the vast 8km long crater of this now dormant, triple cone volcano. The 1886 volcanic eruption and Maori legends are described while you absorb its enormity and the spectacular views of the geothermal surroundings. Other trip highlights include viewing Tarawera Falls, sighting marine life on the way, passing the steaming Donne Cliffs at Lake Rotomahana and flying over Lake Tarawera’s natural thermal springs.
48km trail – leisurely 5 hours
From a nearby junction, take the lush forestry trail past Rotokakahi (Green) Lake, Tikitapu (Blue) Lake and untouched forests to meet the geo-thermal cycle trail. Highlights along the route include a natural hot stream for soaking, Rainbow Mountain (a smoldering mountain of coloured earth and unique plant species), as well as the Waimangu and Wai O Tapu valleys with steaming and multi colored lakes. There is also a local bar and cafe to refuel. Thermal bathing is available at Waikite pools where you will be collected for return to the Lodge.
48km trail – leisurely 5 hours
From a nearby junction, take the lush forestry trail past Rotokakahi (Green) Lake, Tikitapu (Blue) Lake and untouched forests to meet the geo-thermal cycle trail. Highlights along the route include a natural hot stream for soaking, Rainbow Mountain (a smoldering mountain of coloured earth and unique plant species), as well as the Waimangu and Wai O Tapu valleys with steaming and multi colored lakes. There is also a local bar and cafe to refuel. Thermal bathing is available at Waikite pools where you will be collected for return to the Lodge.
3+ hours tour with professional tour guide
Your guide from the indigenous Ngati Rangitihi tribe, the Kaitiaki or ‘Guardians of the Mountain’, will drive you by private vehicle to the foot of the magnificent Mount Tarawera. There you will ascend part of the Maunga by 4WDrive, before beginning a hike to the 1111m Summit. Along the way your guide will delight you with stories of the 1886 volcanic eruption and the area’s colourful Maori legends including the tale of the mysterious Phantom Canoe. Enjoy lunch on the peak followed by the descent into the crater before returning to the vehicle for return to the Lodge.
3+ hours tour with professional tour guide
Your guide from the indigenous Ngati Rangitihi tribe, the Kaitiaki or ‘Guardians of the Mountain’, will drive you by private vehicle to the foot of the magnificent Mount Tarawera. There you will ascend part of the Maunga by 4WDrive, before beginning a hike to the 1111m Summit. Along the way your guide will delight you with stories of the 1886 volcanic eruption and the area’s colourful Maori legends including the tale of the mysterious Phantom Canoe. Enjoy lunch on the peak followed by the descent into the crater before returning to the vehicle for return to the Lodge.
Easy lake access allows exploration of surrounding waters with secluded private bays, deep water swimming and shoreline trails through native bush to explore on foot. From the Lodge’s jetty you have a choice of boating options including motorised dinghies and kayaks. Paddle the protected waters of the Otumutu Lagoon, home to ancient Maori sites. See Black Swans gliding by in the protected waters as well as rare native bird life. Use of Lodge dinghies and kayaks are included in your stay.
Easy lake access allows exploration of surrounding waters with secluded private bays, deep water swimming and shoreline trails through native bush to explore on foot. From the Lodge’s jetty you have a choice of boating options including motorised dinghies and kayaks. Paddle the protected waters of the Otumutu Lagoon, home to ancient Maori sites. See Black Swans gliding by in the protected waters as well as rare native bird life. Use of Lodge dinghies and kayaks are included in your stay.
Rotorua is located in the heart of the Central Volcanic Plateau and uniquely built on top of an active geo thermal field. It is also the cultural home of the indigenous Maori people. Twelve major lakes surround the city, with the historic Lake Tarawera lapping at the base of the now dormant volcano, Mount Tarawera. In this region you can view twenty-meter high geyser eruptions, vividly coloured lakes, hot springs and boiling mud pools as well as experience Maori customs and cultural displays. Rotorua is a major visitor destination and offers many natural as well as adrenalin adventures to enjoy.
Rotorua is located in the heart of the Central Volcanic Plateau and uniquely built on top of an active geo thermal field. It is also the cultural home of the indigenous Maori people. Twelve major lakes surround the city, with the historic Lake Tarawera lapping at the base of the now dormant volcano, Mount Tarawera. In this region you can view twenty-meter high geyser eruptions, vividly coloured lakes, hot springs and boiling mud pools as well as experience Maori customs and cultural displays. Rotorua is a major visitor destination and offers many natural as well as adrenalin adventures to enjoy.
OUR SISTER PROPERTY
Hotel DeBrett – A vibrant boutique hotel experience in the heart of Auckland City’s fashion and business precincts; the Hotel DeBrett experience is like no other in New Zealand.
CONTACT US
Solitaire Lodge
16 Ronald Road
Lake Tarawera RD5
Rotorua 3076
New Zealand
Tel: +64 7 362 8208
Email: solitaire@solitairelodge.co.nz
Reception hours
7am-7pm daily
LOCATION MAP
OUR SISTER PROPERTY
Hotel DeBrett – A vibrant boutique hotel experience in the heart of Auckland City’s fashion and business precincts; the Hotel DeBrett experience is like no other in New Zealand.